Sierra Vista, Arizona – Fort Huachuca and the City of Sierra Vista joined the Rotary Club of Sierra Vista in celebrating the 54th Independence Day at Veterans Memorial Park on July 4th.

Maj. Gen. Anthony Hale, commander of the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and Fort Huachuca, was invited as this year’s guest speaker before more than 200 people who attended the “Salute to the Union” ceremony.

In addition to Hale, members of the Fort Huachuca Selected Honor Guard opened the ceremony with the presentation of colors. Commanding Officer, Unit B, 4th U.S. Cavalry Regiment (Memorial) delivered the Independence Day proclamation to Sierra Vista Mayor Claire McCarter II.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Hale thanked everyone who attended the event, with a special thanks to Mr. Mucker and other distinguished guests. He also thanked the city’s back office staff and Team Huachuca for organizing the event.

“Thank you to the entire Sierra Vista community and Cochise County, soldiers, civilians, contractors, and the team at Fort Huachuca for all you have done,” Hale said. “I would like to thank all military personnel past, present, and awaiting service to our great nation for joining us. We are now free to hold events like this.”

Mr. Hale continued with his speech, saying it was a great honor to speak before an audience, acknowledging the many sacrifices men and women have made to protect our freedom on various battlefields around the world from 1776 to the present day. said to have recognized

He also emphasized the importance of an all-volunteer force, especially at a time when the Department of Defense is in a “talent war” recruiting citizens from all walks of life, religious backgrounds and diverse communities to answer the nation’s call.

“The men and women who rebelled and sparked freedom in the face of oppression in 1776 were just like all of us,” Hale said. “They also came from different religious and cultural backgrounds and had their own flaws, but their willingness to set aside a peaceful life for a while and unite was what made their children and later gave its life to an entire generation of Americans.”

Hale ended his speech by thanking the communities, organizations and individuals he has met and worked with over the past 36 months, including a thank you to Team Huachuka.

“I may move forward, but Team Huachuca will continue to be as missionary as ever and continue to play the same central role in our nation’s defense,” Hale said. “Thank you to everyone who let me be a part of that role here on the edge of the frontier, thank you for your friendship, and thank you for everything you do every day here.

“Have a great time today and celebrate Team Huachuka’s Independence Day!”

Mr. Hale’s speech was followed by a 50-round artillery bombardment by the Fort Huachuca Honor Guard in honor of all states in the Confederacy, followed by a flight of two F-16 Falcons over the State Air Force.

Throughout the rest of the day there were many activities and demonstrations for people of all ages. Members of B Corps gave riding demonstrations demonstrating proficiency with pistols and sabers.

Handlers from the 483rd Military Working Dog Detachment and military units including dogs participated, and the 2-13th Aviation Regiment displayed an unmanned aerial system that people could see and ask questions of the soldiers. rice field.

The day of celebration ended with fireworks from the Rotary Club accompanied by a special salute by the select honor guard to the 1812 Overture at Stonefields.

(Editor’s Note: For complete photos from the 54th Independence Day Celebration, please visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/us_army_fort_huachuca/albums/72177720309556028. )

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Fort Huachuca is home to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command/9th Army Signal Command, and supports over 48 tenants representing a diverse and multidisciplinary workforce. Our unique environment includes 946 square miles of restricted airspace and 2,500 square miles of protected microwave ovens, which are critical elements of our national defense mission.

Located in Cochise County in southeastern Arizona, about 25 miles north of the Mexican border, Fort Huachuca is a frontier military installation with a rich history. Founded in 1877, the fort was designated a national landmark in 1976.

We are the home of the Army.Learn more about https://home.army.mil/huachuca/.